Walk-A-Mile Film Project Sponsorships Still Available

January 6, 2014 – Thunder Bay’s Aboriginal Liaison needs your help in supporting an innovative film project that aims to build greater understanding between the City’s Aboriginal population and the broader community.

Generous sponsors have to date contributed about $38,000 to the Walk-A-Mile Film Project, which will see the creation of a four-part documentary film series aimed at increasing inclusion and understanding in Thunder Bay.
The project has yet to reach its fundraising goal of $45,000, however.

“We are grateful for the support Thunder Bay has shown this project so far,” said City Clerk John Hannam. “The film series is important, however, and we want the message to be as complete as possible. To achieve that, we must reach our fundraising goal.

“With about a month left until the films are scheduled to be shown to the public, we hope more of Thunder Bay’s residents and businesses will come forward, get involved and help us create positive change in our City.”

So far, about 25 individuals, businesses and organizations have stepped forward and sponsored the project. Visionary sponsors – who have contributed at least $2,000 – include Lakehead Public Schools, the Thunder Bay District Catholic School Board, BMO Financial Group, TD Banking Group, Cliffs Natural Resources, Thunder Bay Ventures, FORM Architecture, Fort William First Nation, and Tbaytel.

The film series is being directed and produced by award-winning Aboriginal filmmaker Michelle Derosier of Thunderstone Pictures.

“Film can be a powerful tool to create social change,” Derosier said. “The Walk-a-Mile Film Project is an invitation to the community to engage in courageous conversations about our shared history, our issues with race relations, our struggles and successes and how we can move forward together in this community. As a filmmaker, I’ve witnessed the impact that storytelling can have, and I feel that this project can help us to move forward in a positive direction.”

The film series will screen at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on Feb. 6. Afterwards, it will be distributed throughout the community for use as an educational and training tool.

Those interested in sponsoring the project can contact Joyce Hunter, Aboriginal Liaison Strategy Coordinator, at 625-2007.

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Contact:        John Hannam, City Clerk, 625-2238

NT4